Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family and can bind to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and activate downstream signaling pathways. TGF-α is associated with tumorigenesis and malignant progression, and has shown its potential as a biomarker in various tumors. Creative BioMart Biomarker provides customers with accurate, sensitive and specific cancer biomarker testing services, including TGF-α detection services. High-quality services, short turnaround time and reasonable prices can effectively help customers shorten the research cycle and reduce research costs.
TGF-α and Cancers
EGFR is a widely studied receptor, which is related to the disease progression and poor prognosis of various cancers including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and head and neck cancer (HNC). Therefore, it is often used in the research of cancer treatment. The combination of EGFR and its ligands can promote the activation of downstream signaling pathways, of which the main intracellular signaling pathways are the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway. The MAPK pathway controls gene transcription, cell cycle progression, and cell proliferation. PI3K/AKT pathway can activate a series of anti-apoptosis and prosurvival signals. TGF-α, EGF, and amphiregulin (AREG) are all ligands of EGFR, so TGF-α is also the focus of cancer researchers. Through ligand-receptor action, TGF-α can regulate cell proliferation and differentiation, and is closely related to tumorigenesis and progression. The researchers found that the expression level of TGF-α increased in cancer such as ovarian cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, etc. In the gut mucosa, TGF-α is involved in mechanisms such as cell proliferation, cell survival, cell integrity maintenance, and inflammatory response. In the colon, TGF-α mediates cell proliferation through interaction with EGFR. TGF-α can also promote angiogenesis by increasing the secretion of angiogenic factors. The correlation between TGF-α and tumorigenesis and malignant progression makes TGF-α have the potential to become a cancer biomarker.
Figure 1. Schematic diagram of EGFR Signal Pathways (Haghgoo, et al. 2015)
Application of TGF-α Detection
Plasma and serum TGF-α levels can be used as biomarkers in researches related to breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, etc.
Our Advantages
- Guarantee high accuracy and sensitivity for TGF-α detection
- Ensure high repeatability of TGF-α detection
- Short turn-around time of detection service
- Competitive price in the market of TGF-α detection services
- Multiple technology platforms for TGF-α test services (ELISA, CLIA, RIA)
- Accept a wide range of sample types (plasma, serum, cell culture supernatants, etc.)
Workflow of Biomarker Detection at Creative BioMart Biomarker
Creative BioMart Biomarker strictly controls each specific experimental step in the detection procedure to ensure accurately quantify the level of TGF-α in each sample.
At Creative BioMart Biomarker, we offer high-quality TGF-α detection service that ensuring the sensitivity and specificity of test results. You can also talk to our experts according to your certain requirement, and we will determine the final detection scheme based on the communication results. Please feel free to contact us, Creative BioMart Biomarker is here to offer you professional and thoughtful service.
References:
- Haghgoo, S. M.; et al. Pharmacogenomics and targeted therapy of cancer: focusing on non-small cell lung cancer. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2015, 754: 82-91.
- Ciardiello, F.; Tortora. G. EGFR antagonists in cancer treatment. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2008, 358(11): 1160-1174.
- Daniel, C. R.; et al. TGF-α expression as a potential biomarker of risk within the normal-appearing colorectal mucosa of patients with and without incident sporadic adenoma. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 2009, 18(1): 65-73.
